Client terminal, server, and medium for providing a view from an indicated position

ABSTRACT

There is provided a client terminal including a determination unit configured to determine whether an overhead view image is associated with a position indicated by a user, and a display control unit configured to perform control so that the overhead view image is displayed on a display unit in accordance with a determination result obtained by the determination unit.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a client terminal, a server and aprogram.

In recent years, a digital camera has been widely used that stores andpreserves a subject image in a recording medium as a digital imagesignal. A user directs the digital camera toward a subject, visuallyrecognizes an image displayed on a viewfinder and presses the shutterbutton at a given timing.

Here, JP 2006-260338A proposes a digital camera capable of acquiringpast and future images of a particular subject as a technology relatedto the above-mentioned camera. The digital camera described in JP2006-260338A transmits, to a server, information, for example, a year,month, day and the position of the digital camera in the past indicatedby the user. Then, the digital camera acquires, from the server, animage that corresponds to the indicated year, month and day. The digitalcamera then displays the image acquired from the sever in response tothe timing at which the user presses the shutter button.

Meanwhile, JP 2010-128939A proposes a device that converts a viewpointof an image captured by a camera mounted on a vehicle to generate abird's eye image in which a three-dimensional object naturally looks asif it is viewed downward from substantially vertically above.

SUMMARY

The digital camera described in JP 2006-260338A allows a user toexperience a virtual time travel by displaying past/future images ofscenery that the user is currently looking at.

However, a typical digital camera or the digital camera described in JP2006-260338A only displays an image within an optically visible range inthe image capturing direction. Thus, enabling the digital cameras todisplay images such as a bird's eye image obtained by looking from adifferent viewpoint from a user's actual viewpoint has not been takeninto consideration.

Further, in JP 2010-128939A, a bird's eye image is created based on animage captured by a camera originally mounted on a vehicle. Accordingly,performing display control in connection with a viewpoint absolutelydifferent from a position of a user has not been taken intoconsideration.

Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a client terminal, a serverand a program that are novel and improved and are capable of providing aview from an indicated position.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda client terminal including a determination unit configured to determinewhether an overhead view image is associated with a position indicatedby a user, and a display control unit configured to perform control sothat the overhead view image in accordance with a determination resultobtained by the determination unit is displayed on a display unit.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda server including a receiving unit configured to receive indicatedposition information indicative of a position indicated by a user at aclient terminal, a determination unit configured to determine whether anoverhead view image is associated with the position indicated by theindicated position information, and a transmitting unit configured totransmit to the client terminal the overhead view image associated withthe position indicated by the indicated position information inaccordance with a determination result obtained by the determinationunit.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda recording medium having a program recorded thereon, the program beingconfigured to cause a computer to execute a determination process fordetermining whether an overhead view image is associated with a positionindicated by a user, and a control process for controlling the overheadview image to be displayed on a display unit in accordance with adetermination result obtained in the determination process.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda recording medium having a program recorded thereon, the program beingconfigured to cause a computer to execute a reception process ofreceiving indicated position information indicative of a positionindicated by a user at a client terminal, a determination process ofdetermining whether an overhead view image is associated with theposition indicated by the indicated position information, and atransmitting process of transmitting to the client terminal the overheadview image associated with the position indicated by the indicatedposition information in accordance with a determination result obtainedin the determination process.

According to the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure,it is possible to provide a view from an indicated position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an observation viewsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a digitalcamera in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in anoverhead view image DB;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a display control process inaccordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an indication example of an observationview point in accordance with the present embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating display examples of thumbnails inaccordance with the present embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a transition diagram of a screen illustrating indication of aposition by a zoom operation in accordance with the present embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an overhead view image displayed when amountain is indicated;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an overhead view image displayed whenthe sky is indicated;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration in accordancewith a second embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a display control process inaccordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that,in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elementsthat have substantially the same function and structure are denoted withthe same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of thesestructural elements is omitted.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in the followingorder.

1. Overview of observation view system in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure

2. Embodiments

2-1. First embodiment

2-1-1. Configuration of digital camera

2-1-2. Display control process

2-1-3. Indication of position

2-1-4. Other Examples of target

2-2. Second embodiment

3. Conclusion

1. OVERVIEW OF OBSERVATION VIEW SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN EMBODIMENTOF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

First, an overview of an observation view system in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in a digital camera 1, which is anexample of a client terminal in the observation view system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an image (areal image 210A) obtained by capturing a real space is displayed firston a viewfinder (a display unit 21). Then, when a user indicates a tower40 shown in the real image 210A (touches a touch panel stacked on thedisplay unit 21, for example), the digital camera 1 switches display toan overhead view image 220A that is a view (observation view) from anobservation platform of the tower 40.

The overhead view image (observation view) displayed herein may includea single or a plurality of images and a view(s) (scene) in any direction(360 degrees).

As described above, in accordance with the present embodiment, since anoverhead view image (an observation view) at any height corresponding toa position that the user indicates can be displayed, the user can feelas if he/she instantaneously moved to a building or the like that he/shehad indicated in a real image and enjoy scenery from the building.

Such an observation view system is specifically described below withreference to a plurality of embodiments. Additionally, although thedigital camera 1 is shown as a client terminal in each embodiment, theclient terminal in accordance with each embodiment is not limitedthereto. For example, the client terminal may be a video camera, asmartphone with a camera, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PC(Personal Computer), a portable phone, a portable music player, aportable image processing apparatus, a portable game device, atelescope, binoculars or the like. In addition, the client terminal inaccordance with the present embodiment is not limited to an apparatuswith a camera. For example, the client terminal is applicable to anapparatus capable of indicating a position in an image, for example, anapparatus having a display unit and an operation input unit.

2. EMBODIMENTS 2-1. First Embodiment

An observation view system in accordance with a first embodimentdetermines whether an overhead view image is associated with a positionindicated in the digital camera 1. If associated, the overhead viewimage is displayed. The configuration, display control and the like ofcamera 1 in accordance with the first embodiment are sequentiallydescribed below.

(2-1-1. Configuration of Digital Camera)

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the digitalcamera 1 in accordance with the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2,the digital camera 1 has a CPU 10, ROM 11, RAM 12, a GPS measurementunit 14, a camera module 15, an operation input unit 16, an overheadview image DB 17, a captured image memory 19, a display control unit 20,a display unit 21 and a network interface (I/F) 22. Each configurationis described below.

The GPS (Global Positioning System) measurement unit 14 receives radiowaves from a GPS satellite, detects the position of the digital camera 1and outputs the detected position information. Additionally, the GPSmeasurement unit 14 is an example of a position information acquisitionunit that detects the position of the digital camera 1 based on anexternally acquired signal. The position information acquisition unitmay detect the position through transmission to and receipt from WiFi, aportable phone, a PHS, a smart phone or the like, through near fieldcommunication or the like, for example.

The camera module 15 includes an image sensor, optics that include animage lens, and a captured image signal processing unit. The cameramodule 15 outputs data of the captured image as digital signals.Additionally, the image sensor is realized using a CCD (Charge CoupledDevice) imager or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor)imager, for example.

The operation input unit 16 is a group of physical keys such as ashutter button, a zoom dial and various types of switches for detectingvarious types of operations performed by a user, a touch panel stackedon the display unit 21 and the like. The CPU 10 executes a process inresponse to a user operation input from the operation input unit 16 inaccordance with a program in the ROM 11.

The overhead view image DB (Database) 17 is a storage unit that storesan overhead view image with which position information (latitude andlongitude) and altitude information are associated. Further, theoverhead view image DB 17 may store the overhead view image inassociation with identification information (name, location or the like)indicative of an object. In the present specification, an overhead viewimage may be, for example, scenery (view) from a position having a givenaltitude. Further, an overhead view image may be a panorama image (aview) obtained by looking all around from a position having a givenheight. The overhead view image DB 17 may also store a plurality ofoverhead view images that have been captured at the same place (have thesame position information), at least one of the height, directions orangles of elevation of which are different.

An example of data stored in the overhead view image DB 17 isillustrated in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, overhead view images I-1 toI-4 are associated with position information P-1 to P-3 and altitudeinformation H-1 to H-4, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 3,the overhead view image I-1 shows scenery from the position P-1 and theheight H-1. Meanwhile, the overhead view image I-2 shows scenery fromthe same position P-1 but a different height H-2. Specifically, overheadview images obtained from the same position but at different heights,for example, scenery from a first observation platform and scenery froma second observation platform in the same tower or scenery from a fifthfloor and scenery from an eighth floor in the same building, can bestored.

Flash memory such as card type memory is, for example, used as thecaptured image memory 19. The captured image memory 19 may also be arecording medium like a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or the like.Further, the captured image memory 19 need not be such a removal memorymedium, but may be a hard disk device.

The captured image memory 19 may store as captured images images of asubject, which have been sequentially output from the camera module 15,in response to an operation timing of a shutter button.

The CPU 10 performs control for each configuration of the digital camera1. The CPU 10 (the determination unit) in accordance with the presentembodiment recognizes a position (for example, an xy coordinateposition) indicated by a user in a real image displayed on the displayunit 21 and determines whether an overhead view image is associated withthe recognized position. The indication by the user may be, for example,indicating an object (an object such as a building or a mountain) in areal image or indicating a part excluding the object (such as a part ofthe sky) in the real image. The operation input unit 16 outputs adetected user operation (of indicating a position) to the CPU 10 (thedetermination unit). The CPU 10 (the determination unit) may alsorecognize that a particular floor number of a building is indicated inthe real image based on the user operation detected by the operationinput unit 16.

The overhead view image associated with the recognized position may bean overhead view image associated with position information and altitudeinformation in real space of (a part of) an object displayed at an xycoordinate position recognized as a position indicated by a user in areal image.

Additionally, the CPU 10 (the determination unit) may identify an objectin a real image based on the current position of the digital camera 1acquired by the GPS measurement unit 14, the image capturing directionand image recognition of the camera module 15 or the like.

The CPU 10 may also extract an overhead view image associated with therecognized position from the overhead view image DB 17 or via thenetwork I/F 22 from a particular server or a plurality of indefiniteservers on the network.

The ROM 11 stores programs or the like for performing a process ofrecognizing a position indicated by a user and a process of determiningwhether an overhead view image is associated with the indicated positionin addition to a program for executing an image capturing function. Theprograms stored in the ROM 11 are executed by the CPU 10 with the RAM 12used as a work area.

The display control unit 20 performs control so that display content ofa display screen is displayed on the display unit 21 in accordance withcontrol by the CPU 10 based on the programs in the ROM 11. The Displaycontrol unit 20 in accordance with the present embodiment, if anoverhead view image associated with a position indicated by a user isextracted from the overhead view image DB 17 by the CPU 10 (thedetermination unit), performs control of displaying the overhead viewimage on the display unit 21. Additionally, when a plurality of overheadview images associated with the position indicated by the user arepresent, the display control unit 20 may display the plurality ofoverhead view images on the display unit 21. As described above, aplurality of the overhead view images associated with even the sameposition (image capturing place) may be associated with differentheights, directions and angles of elevation.

The display unit 21 displays an image of a subject output from thecamera module 15 in addition to a menu screen, various types ofoperation screens or the like in real time, and a captured image storedin the captured image memory 19 in accordance with control of thedisplay control unit 20. The display unit 21 is realized using a LCD(Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) or thelike, for example.

The display unit 21 in accordance with the present embodiment displaysan overhead view image associated with the position indicated by theuser.

Additionally, although the display control unit 20 controls display ofthe display unit 21 included in the digital camera 1 in the presentembodiment, a device controlled in accordance with the presentembodiment is not limited to the display unit 21. For example, thedisplay control unit 20 may control display of an external displayapparatus connected to the digital camera 1.

The network I/F 22 is a communication module for transmitting data toand receiving data from an external apparatus. For example, the networkI/F 22 in accordance with the present embodiment may connect to an imageserver on the network and acquire an overhead view image associated withthe position indicated by the user.

The configuration of the digital camera 1 in accordance with the firstembodiment has been described in detail above. Next, a display controlprocess in accordance with the present embodiment will be described withreference to FIG. 4.

(2-1-2. Display Control Process)

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a display control process inaccordance with the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4, instep S103, the CPU 10 first determines whether a real image captured bythe camera module 15 and displayed on the display unit 21 includes atarget (objects including artificial and natural objects) from which anobservation view (display of an overhead view image) is possible.

Next, when the real image includes a target from which an observationview is possible in step S103, the digital camera 1 recognizes aposition (for example, an xy coordinate position) indicated by a user inthe real image.

Then, in step S106, the digital camera 1 determines whether an overheadview image is associated with the recognized position. Specifically, thedigital camera 1 determines that “an overhead view image is present”when a tag indicating that the overhead view image is present isattached to the recognized position (the xy coordinate position), forexample. The digital camera 1 may also determine that “an overhead viewimage is present” when it is possible to retrieve an overhead view imageassociated with position information and altitude information of atarget in a real space that is displayed at the recognized position (thexy coordinate position) from the overhead view image DB 17 or thenetwork.

Next, when it is determined in step S106 that the overhead view image ispresent, the digital camera 1 displays the corresponding overhead viewimage on the display unit 21 in step S109. Specifically, the digitalcamera 1 may acquire the corresponding overhead view image from theoverhead view image DB 17 thereof, or from a given server on the networkor a plurality of indefinite servers on the network.

Meanwhile, when it is determined in step S106 that the overhead viewimage is absent, the digital camera 1 keeps displaying a real image asusual in step S112.

The fundamental display control process in accordance with the presentembodiment has been described in detail above. Next, a method for a userto indicate a position in a real image will be described in detail withreference to a plurality of examples.

(2-1-3. Indication of Position)

Display of Binoculars Icon

In the above-described embodiment, when an overhead view image isassociated with a position indicated by a user, the overhead view imageis displayed. However, in particular, with which position in a realimage the overhead view image is associated has not been explicitlyshown in advance.

Therefore, when it is determined that the real image includes a targetfrom which an overhead view image (an observation view) is possible, thedisplay control unit 20 (see step S100) may explicitly shows a position(an observation view point) associated with the overhead view image.Accordingly, a user can intuitively understand which point (position) inthe real image should be indicated in order to display an observationview (an overhead view image).

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, the digital camera1 may display a real image 210B so that binoculars icons 41 (41 a to 41c) are superimposed on the respective observation view points of thereal image 210B. In this case, the display control unit 20 may controlthe binoculars icons 41 to be displayed at portions (positions) of thetarget corresponding to an altitude indicated by the altitudeinformation associated with the overhead view image.

For example, if an overhead view image associated with a building 42shown in the real image 210B has the altitude information indicative ofthe height of an observation platform of the building 42, the displaycontrol unit 20 controls the binoculars icon 41 a to be displayed at theobservation platform portion of the building 42, as illustrated in FIG.5. Also, when an overhead view image having the altitude informationindicative of particular floors of a target building 43 is associatedwith the building 43, the display control unit 20 controls thebinoculars icons 41 b and 41 c to be displayed at the particular floorsof the building.

Thumbnail Display

Although uniform icons are displayed at points from which an observationview is possible in the above-mentioned display example of binocularsicons, the display control unit 20 in accordance with the presentembodiment may display a thumbnail of each overhead view image such thatthe thumbnail is superimposed on the real image.

When a target from which an observation view is possible is indicated,the digital camera 1 in accordance with the present embodiment maydisplay thumbnails of a plurality of overhead view images associatedwith the target in the corresponding portions of the target based on thealtitude information of the respective overhead view images.

If the target tower 40, from which an observation view is possible, isindicated by a user in the real image 210C as illustrated in FIG. 6, forexample, the display control unit 20 displays thumbnails S1 to S15 ofoverhead view images associated with the tower 40. Here, the displaycontrol unit 20 may dispose, at positions substantially horizontal withrespect to a first observation platform 44 of the tower 40 in the realimage 210C, the corresponding thumbnails S1 to S5 based on altitudeinformation included in the respective overhead view images. The displaycontrol unit 20 may also dispose, at positions substantially horizontalwith respect to a second observation platform 45 of the tower 40 in thereal image 210C, the corresponding thumbnails S11 to S15.

A user selects one of the displayed thumbnails S1 to S15. The displaycontrol unit 20 performs control so that an original image (an overheadview image) of the selected thumbnail is displayed on the display unit21.

Indication of Position by Zoom Operation

In the above-mentioned embodiment, a user touches a real image toindicate a position. However, an operation example for indicating aposition in accordance with the present embodiment is not limitedthereto. A position may be indicated by operating a pointer (not shown)displayed in a real image. A position may also be indicated by a zoomoperation.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, when the real image 210D isdisplayed, a position may be indicated by performing a zoom-in operationon a second observation platform 45 of the target tower 40 from which anobservation view is possible.

In such a case, the display control unit 20 may, as illustrated in FIG.7, for example, zoom in on and cause the real image 210D to fade out andmay zoom in on and cause the overhead view image 220D associated withthe indicated position (the second observation platform 45 herein) tofade in substantially concurrently.

(2-1-4. Other Examples of Target)

In the above-mentioned embodiment, a tower, a building and an artificialobject such as a building have been described as examples of a targetfrom which an observation view is possible. However, the target inaccordance with the present embodiment is not limited thereto. Forexample, the target may be a natural object having an altitude. Caseswhere a target from which an observation view is possible is a naturalobject are described in detail below.

Case where Mountain is Indicated

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when a mountain 47 in the realimage 210E is indicated, the CPU 10 (the determination unit) determineswhether scenery (an overhead view image) from the mountain 47, which isassociated with the indicated mountain 47, is present.

Then, when an overhead view image associated with the mountain 47 ispresent, the display control unit 20 switches the display to an overheadview image 220E as illustrated in FIG. 8.

Case where the Sky is Indicated

Next, display control performed when the sky, which is a natural objecthaving an altitude, is indicated will be described in detail withreference to FIG. 9. As illustrated in the left of FIG. 9, when a user50 directs a digital camera 1 toward a building 42, which is askyscraper, a real image 210F is displayed on a display unit 21. Aplurality of overhead view image patterns are conceivable, asillustrated in the right of FIG. 9, when the user 50 indicates a part ofthe sky 49 in the real image 210F.

As a first pattern, when a part of the sky in a real image is indicated,an overhead view image obtained by looking down on the current positionof the user 50 from right above may be displayed. When a part of the sky49 is indicated, for example, the CPU 10 (the determination unit)determines whether, as an overhead view image associated with a position(the current position of the user 50) represented by positioninformation output from the GPS measurement unit 14, an overhead viewimage obtained by capturing the current position from the sky above ispresent. Then, as illustrated in the upper right of FIG. 9, the displaycontrol unit 20 displays on the display unit 21 an overhead view image220F obtained by looking down on the current position of the user 50from above.

As a second pattern, when a part of the sky in a real image isindicated, an overhead view image obtained by looking down on a landmarksuch as a building or a sightseeing spot that has a feature serving as amark in the real image from the indicated position may be displayed.

For example, when a part of the sky 49 in the real image 210Fillustrated in the left of FIG. 9 is indicated, the CPU 10 (thedetermination unit) determines whether an overhead view image obtainedby looking down on (capturing from the sky above) a landmark in the realimage 210F from the indicated position is present. As shown in the leftof FIG. 9, a building 42, which is a skyscraper, is shown in the realimage 210F as an example of a landmark. Accordingly, the CPU 10 (thedetermination unit) determines whether the overhead view image 220Gobtained by looking down on the building 42 is associated with theindicated position. Additionally, although a method for detecting(recognizing) a landmark in a real image is not particularly limitedherein, the CPU 10 may detect the landscape by using, for example,position information of the digital camera 1, an image capturingdirection, image processing, a landmark database or the like.

As a third pattern, when a part of the sky in a real image is indicated,an overhead view image obtained by looking down on a landmark such as abuilding, a sightseeing spot that has a feature serving as a mark in thereal image from right above may be displayed.

For example, when a part of the sky 49 in the real image 210Fillustrated in the left of FIG. 9 is indicated, the CPU 10 (thedetermination unit) determines whether an overhead view image obtainedby looking down on (capturing from the sky above) a landmark in the realimage 210F from above is present. As described above, since the building42, which is a skyscraper, is shown in the real image 210F as an exampleof a landmark, the CPU 10 (the determination unit) determines whetherthe indicated position is associated with an overhead view image 220Hobtained by looking down on the building 42 from above.

The first embodiment has been described in detail above. In accordancewith the present embodiment, when an overhead view image is present thatis captured from a position corresponding to a given altitude indicatedby a user in a real image, a screen can switch display to the overheadview image. Accordingly, the user feels as if he/she instantaneouslymoved to the indicated position in the real image and can enjoy a viewfrom that position (at that altitude).

2-2. Second Embodiment

In the above-described first embodiment, the digital camera 1 determineswhether an overhead view image associated with a position indicated by auser is present. However, a subject that determines the presence orabsence of an overhead view image in accordance with the presentdisclosure is not limited to the digital camera 1. For example, thepresence or absence of an overhead view image may be determined on aserver side. A second embodiment, in which a server side determines thepresence or absence of an overhead view image, is described in detailbelow with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

(2-2-1. System Configuration)

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the system configuration of anobservation view system in accordance with the second embodiment. Asillustrated in FIG. 10, the observation view system of the presentembodiment includes a digital camera 1′ and a server 3. Further, thedigital camera 1′ and the server 3 are connected to each other vianetwork 4.

The configuration of the digital camera 1′ in accordance with thepresent embodiment may exclude the overhead view image DB 17 from eachconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 2. Further, the CPU 10 need not have afunction of a determination unit. The sever 3 has an overhead view imageDB and a determination unit in the present embodiment as describedbelow.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the server 3 in accordance with the presentembodiment has a communication unit 31, a determination unit 33 and anoverhead view image DB 35. The communication unit 31 is connected to thedigital camera 1′ via a network 4 and transmits data to and receivesdata from the digital camera 1′. Specifically, the communication unit31, for example, receives from the digital camera 1′ indicated positioninformation indicative of a position indicated by a user. Thecommunication unit 31 also transmits to the digital camera 1′ anoverhead view image extracted by the determination unit 33 from theoverhead view image DB 35 based on the received indicated positioninformation.

The determination unit 33 has a similar function to the determinationunit of the CPU 10 of the digital camera 1 in accordance with theabove-described first embodiment. Specifically, the determination unit33 determines whether an overhead view image associated with a positionrepresented by the indicated position information is present. Further,when the determination unit 33 determines that an associated overheadview image is present, the overhead view image is extracted from theoverhead view image DB 35 and output to the communication unit 31.

Similarly to the overhead view image DB 17 of the digital camera 1 inaccordance with the above-described first embodiment, the overhead viewimage DB 35 is a storage unit storing an overhead view image associatedwith position information (latitude and longitude information) andaltitude information (see FIG. 3). Additionally, an overhead view imageshowing scenery from an observation platform, for example, may begenerated from an image of a telescope that is actually located in thetower, and uploaded to the server 3.

The system configuration of the observation view system in accordancewith the second embodiment has been described above. Next, a displaycontrol process in accordance with the present embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 11.

(2-2-2. Display Control Process)

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a display control process inaccordance with the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 11, instep S123, the digital camera 1′ first recognizes a position (forexample, an xy coordinate position) indicated by a user in a real imagedisplayed on the display unit 21.

Then, in step S126, the digital camera 1′ transmits informationregarding the recognized position indicated by the user (indicatedposition information) to the server 3. Herein, the indicated informationtransmitted to the server 3 may, for example, include positioninformation and altitude information in a real space regarding a targetdisplayed at the indicated position (the xy coordinate position) in thereal image. Alternatively, the digital camera 1′ may transmit theindicated position (the xy coordinate position) and the real image tothe server 3.

Next, in step S129, the determination unit 33 of the server 3 determineswhether an overhead view image is associated with a position representedby the indicated position information received by the communication unit31 from the digital camera 1. Specifically, the determination unit 33may, for example, determine that “an overhead view image is present”when an associated overhead view image can be retrieved from theoverhead view image DB 17 based on the position information and thealtitude information in the real space of a target displayed at theindicated position (the xy coordinate position) in the real image.

Next, in step S132, if it is determined in step S129 that an overheadview image is present, the server 3 transmits the associated overheadview image to the digital camera 1′.

Then, in step S135, the digital camera 1′ performs control so that theoverhead view image received from the server 3, that is, the overheadview image associated with the position indicated by the user isdisplayed on the display unit 21.

The display control process in accordance with the second embodiment hasbeen described in detail above. Additionally, the digital camera 1′ maytransmit a real image to the server 3 in advance before step S123 andthe server 3 may determine the presence or absence of an object fromwhich an observation view is possible in the real image and transmit thedetermination result to the digital camera 1′.

As discussed above, in accordance with the second embodiment, the server3 determines the presence or absence of an overhead view imageassociated with a position indicated by a user in a real image. If so,the server 3 can transmit the overhead view image to the digital camera1.

3. CONCLUSION

As discussed above, if a given position is indicated in a real image,the observation view system in accordance with the present embodimentcan switch display to an overhead view image (an observation view)obtained by looking down at a height corresponding to the indicatedposition. Accordingly, a user feels as if he/she instantaneously movedto the position indicated by himself/herself in the real image and canenjoy a view at that position (height).

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

For example, the display control unit 20 may perform display controlsuch that an object indicated by a user and overhead view imagesassociated with the object (indicated positions thereof) are arranged onthe display unit 21.

In addition, the overhead view image may be an image captured by a fixedcamera or a live camera located at an object.

In addition, the overhead view image is not limited to a still image inthe present specification, and may be a moving image, for example. Thedigital camera 1 in accordance with the present embodiment may also becapable of capturing and recording not only a still image or the like,but also a moving image.

Further, although the embodiment described above illustrates a casewhere, if a user indicates a given position in a real image, the displayswitches to an overhead view image captured at a height corresponding tothe indicated position, the switching of display in accordance with thepresent disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the displaycontrol unit 20 may first display an overhead view image at apredetermined height of a position closer to the current position of auser than a position indicated by position information of an overheadview image associated with an indicated position, and then may switchdisplay to the overhead view image associated with the indicatedposition.

As described above, when other overhead view images are displayed beforedisplay of a real image is switched to an overhead view image associatedwith an indicated position, a user can feel as if he/she flew and movedto the indicated position through the sky.

In the above-described embodiment, a point from which an observationview is possible is explicitly indicated by displaying a binoculars iconsuch that the binoculars icon is superimposed on a position associatedwith an overhead view image in a real image. However, the indicationmethod in accordance with the present disclosure is not limited thereto.For example, an effect may be applied such that light looks to surrounda position or an object associated with an overhead view image in a realimage.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.

-   (1) A client terminal including:

a determination unit configured to determine whether an overhead viewimage is associated with a position indicated by a user; and

a display control unit configured to perform control so that theoverhead view image is displayed on a display unit in accordance with adetermination result obtained by the determination unit.

-   (2) The client terminal according to (1), wherein the overhead view    image is scenery at an altitude corresponding to the position    indicated by the user.-   (3) The client terminal according to (1) or (2), wherein the display    control unit performs display of indicating a position with which    the overhead view image is associated on a displayed image.-   (4) The client terminal according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein    the determination unit recognizes a position indicated by a user in    a real image, the real image being a captured image of real space    displayed on the display unit.-   (5) The client terminal according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein    indication by the user is indicating an object in a real image    displayed on the display unit.-   (6) The client terminal according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein    indication by the user is indicating a part of sky in a real image    displayed on the display unit.-   (7) The client terminal according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein    indication by the user is indicating a particular floor number of a    building in a real image displayed on the display unit.-   (8) The client terminal according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,    when a plurality of overhead view images are associated with the    position indicated by the user, the display control unit controls    the plurality of overhead view images to be displayed on the display    unit.-   (9) The client terminal according to (8), wherein the plurality of    overhead view images differ in at least one of an altitude, a    direction or an angle of elevation.-   (10) The client terminal according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein    the overhead view image is a panorama image obtained by looking    around from the position indicated by the user.-   (11) The client terminal according to any one of (1) to (10),    wherein indication by the user is realized by a zoom operation.-   (12) The client terminal according to (5), wherein the display    control unit controls the object indicated by the user and an    overhead view image associated with the object to be displayed on    the display unit.-   (13) A server including:

a receiving unit configured to receive indicated position informationindicative of a position indicated by a user at a client terminal;

a determination unit configured to determine whether an overhead viewimage is associated with the position indicated by the indicatedposition information; and

a transmitting unit configured to transmit to the client terminal theoverhead view image associated with the position indicated by theindicated position information in accordance with a determination resultobtained by the determination unit.

-   (14) A recording medium having a program recorded thereon, the    program being configured to cause a computer to execute:

a determination process of determining whether an overhead view image isassociated with a position indicated by a user; and

a control process of controlling the overhead view image to be displayedon a display unit in accordance with a determination result obtained inthe determination process.

-   (15) A recording medium having a program recorded thereon, the    program being configured to cause a computer to execute:

a reception process of receiving, indicated position informationindicative of a position indicated by a user at a client terminal;

a determination process of determining whether an overhead view image isassociated with the position indicated by the indicated positioninformation; and

a transmitting process of transmitting to the client terminal theoverhead view image associated with the position indicated by theindicated position information in accordance with a determination resultobtained in the determination process.

The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosedin Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2012-038423 filed in theJapan Patent Office on Feb. 24, 2012 the entire content of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A client terminal comprising: a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory storing instructions for execution by the CPU, wherein the CPU is configured to: determine whether an overhead view image is associated with an elevated position indicated by a user, the overhead view image being a downward image captured from the elevated position indicated by the user, wherein the indication by the user is indicating a part of sky in a real image displayed on a display; and perform control so that the overhead view image is displayed on the display in response to the determination that the overhead view image is associated with the elevated position indicated by the user.
 2. The client terminal according to claim 1, wherein the overhead view image is scenery at an altitude corresponding to the elevated position indicated by the user.
 3. The client terminal according to claim 1, wherein the CPU is configured to perform display of indicating the elevated position with which the overhead view image is associated on a displayed image.
 4. The client terminal according to claim 1, wherein the CPU is configured to recognize the elevated position indicated by the user in the real image, the real image being a captured image of real space displayed on the display.
 5. The client terminal according to claim 1, wherein the indication by the user is indicating an object in the real image displayed on the display.
 6. The client terminal according to claim 5, wherein the CPU is configured to control the object indicated by the user and an overhead view image associated with the object to be displayed on the display.
 7. The client terminal according to claim 1, wherein the indication by the user is indicating a particular floor number of a building in the real image displayed on the display.
 8. The client terminal according to claim 1, wherein, when a plurality of overhead view images are associated with the elevated position indicated by the user, the CPU is configured to control the plurality of overhead view images to be displayed on the display.
 9. The client terminal according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of overhead view images differ in at least one of an altitude, a direction or an angle of elevation.
 10. The client terminal according to claim 1, wherein the overhead view image is a panorama image obtained by looking around from the elevated position indicated by the user.
 11. The client terminal according to claim 1, wherein the indication by the user is realized by a zoom operation.
 12. A server comprising: a determination unit and a memory storing instructions for execution by the determination unit, wherein the determination unit is configured to: receive indicated position information indicative of an elevated position indicated by a user at a client terminal; determine whether an overhead view image is associated with the elevated position indicated by the indicated position information, the overhead view image being a downward image captured from the elevated position indicated by the user, wherein the indication by the user is indicating a part of sky in a real image displayed on a display; and transmit to the client terminal the overhead view image associated with the elevated position indicated by the indicated position information in response to the determination that the overhead view image is associated with the elevated position indicated by the indicated position information.
 13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions thereon which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method comprising: determining whether an overhead view image is associated with an elevated position indicated by a user, the overhead view image being a downward image captured from the elevated position indicated by the user, wherein the indication by the user is indicating a part of sky in a real image displayed on a display; and controlling the overhead view image to be displayed on the display in response to the determination that the overhead view image is associated with the elevated position indicated by the user.
 14. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions thereon, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method comprising: receiving indicated position information indicative of an elevated position indicated by a user at a client terminal; determining whether an overhead view image is associated with the elevated position indicated by the indicated position information, the overhead view image being a downward image captured from the elevated position indicated by the user, wherein the indication by the user is indicating a part of sky in a real image displayed on a display; and transmitting to the client terminal the overhead view image associated with the elevated position indicated by the indicated position information in response to the determination that the overhead view image is associated with the elevated position indicated by the indicated position information. 